228 THE VETERINARIAN 



CONGESTION OF THE LIVER 



Cause: Lack of exercise, overfeeding, tainted or 

 moldy foodj infection, or impure blood. 



Symptoms : Birds suffering from this disease seldom 

 show signs of sickness and it is well to dissect the fowl 

 after death to ascertain the exact cause. If death is 

 caused by Congestion of the Liver, the organ will be 

 greatly enlarged and easily torn. 



Tbeatment: If the fowls are fat and sluggish, com- 

 pel them to exercise by driving them about. Also give 

 fifteen to twenty grains of Epsom Salts to each affected 

 fowl. Feed laxative foods that are easily digested, as 

 vegetables and wheat bran mashes. They are cooling 

 and relieve congestion. 



CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS 



(Pulmonary Congestion) 



Cause: Exposure; the bird chills, causing contrac- 

 tion of the blood vessels near the surface of the body, 

 thereby forcing a large quantity of blood to the internal 

 organs ; the small blood vessels in the lungs become dis- 

 tended with blood and rupture. 



Symptoms : Rapid and difficult breathing ; the bird ap- 

 pears stupid and sleepy and does not care to move about ; 

 appetite poor, wings drooping, plumage ruffled, a thick 

 mucus, colored with blood, escapes from the mouth, comb 

 and wattles show a dark-red color from lack of oxygen 

 in the blood. This disease is of very short duration, the 

 bird dying within a few hours. It is very common among 

 young chicks and turkeys that are permitted to run out 

 in the early spring rains. 



Treatment : Medical treatment is of no value, as the 

 disease progresses so rapidly that the bird dies shortly 

 after the first symptoms appear. Sanitary surroundings, 

 good light, pure air and exercise are essential. Do not 

 allow the birds to stand out in the cold or rains, espe- 



